As we close another Independence Day celebration, I seemed to be poised to pause to take stock of what it means to be an American.

We need to assimilate culturally in a way that highlights the narrative of the American experience. We are striving to form a more perfect union.

How do we do that?

How will that help us to assimilate?

Striving means we are attempting to do something to justify our democracy. “We the people” have a say in the outcome of public policy, unlike many countries that are ruled through an authoritarian. Therefore, we have a responsibility as Americans to understand and share this American narrative for the betterment of our communities.

We all want the same things in life.

The uniqueness of America offers us the equal opportunity to achieve those things. Not that every individual will adhere to these principles, but every individual can take the opportunity to get an education, start a business, raise a family, buy a home, even marry the person they love.

These are the tenants of our democracy.

This is why assimilation is important.

If America is going to continue to be that shining city on a hill for the rest of the world to see, then we need to live up to standards that make us strive in order to form a more perfect union.​Happy 6th of July!